1973 Ford F-250 Ranger XLT - RARE TRAILER SPECIAL MODEL, CLEAN AND ORIGINAL

1973 Ford F-250 Ranger XLT Description

1973

Ford F-250

Ranger XLT

Trailer Special

VIN F25JRS42750

Back in the summer of 1971 I’d just finished my junior year of high school and was ready for adventure. My folks were tired of the never-ending teasing suffered on my three younger sisters, so there wasn’t much objection when a friend suggested a summer-long road trip looping from Seattle to New York City and back. We built a plywood canopy for the bed of his ’48 Chevy Pickup and hit the road. Between us we had $400 to last the entire way (gas was only 30 cents a gallon back then). That experience became the greatest summer of our young lives! Why mention it? By necessity we learned how to repair an older vehicle far from home (before the end of those three months we’d installed a new clutch and rebuilt the engine with used parts using only Vice Grips and a couple screwdrivers). The knowledge gained that long-ago summer taught me, as a vintage collector, to pass by the junk and only focus on decent rigs that past owners cared about and maintained. This F-250 is definitely in that category!

It’s easy to see the attentiveness and care taken by past owners has really paid off. With a casual glance, you might think this is just another ol’ truck. But, like I did, look a little closer and you’ll realize what a clean, nice find this really is! The first hint is when you check for rust in the usual spots. Anybody familiar with the Pacific Northwest, specifically western Washington, knows we get our share of misty rain, but hardly ever any snow. The first few falling flakes cause panic, and everybody stays home. Truth is, our winter roads are rarely salted, so you’ll see very few vehicles here with any serious rust problems! Climb over, under and around this rig - I know you’ll come up smiling! No rusted-out floorboards or truck bed here.

When you open the hood, you’re in for nice surprise. This Ranger XLT still has its great-running factory 460 CID engine. The second you fire it up, you know it was built to last! Adding a 650 CFM Edelbrock Competition Carburetor a few years ago, along with an electronic ignition, has made a noticeable run-ability difference. You’ll love the deep burble this strong motor makes. Almost sounds like a hot rod!

The three-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly through all gears and we all know how great Ford rear pumpkins are in these old trucks. Having power steering makes for easy turns and the power brakes for quick stops if necessary.

The data sticker on the door jamb indicates a May 1973 production date. Here’s how the VIN code breaks down:

F25 – Ford F250 4x2

J - 460 Cu. In. 4 BBL V-8 engine

R - San Jose, CA Assembly Plant

F252 – Heavy Duty 7400 GVW Trailer Special

MR – Wimbledon White over Medium Ginger Metallic paint

G - 3 Speed Automatic Transmission

58J – Dana Spicer 60 Rear Axle

The data plate also indicates the truck was delivered to the San Jose Sales District (#72) when new. We’ve found no special-order information, so most likely it entered regular dealer inventory shortly after rolling off the California assembly line.

Up in the cab you’ll find everything is just about factory-original (with the exception of the stereo). The speedo/odometer work fine. The seat is in ‘as-new” condition and there’s no spring or underlayment breakdown either. Both sun visors are also original, as is the headliner. The heater controls are set up for factory A/C and the system appears complete behind the dash, however the compressor has been removed. I’ve not attempted to find out why the nice AM/FM/CD Bluetooth stereo receiver doesn’t want to switch on or the reason the passenger window can be difficult to roll down. On a positive note, all the glass is great - no windshield chips or cracks! It's also very nice to have a rear window slider for those hot summer day cruises.

Outside, I know you’ll be also be impressed by the 45-year-old factory classic Wimbledon White over Medium Ginger Metallic paint. While there are the expected nicks, dings and oxidation it's overall condition is just too good to warrant a respray and lose that originality. The bed’s been lined with professionally applied high-quality bedliner spray and looks super. There are no rust holes in the bed. The tailgate should remain down when cruising as the handle is stuck and doesn’t want to lock in place upright.

I’ve always appreciated the look of stock 16-inch steel wheels with factory "dog dish" covers. These have new, high-quality truck radials all-around. The spare is mounted in the usual place under the bed.

Please feel free to email, text or call me with any questions during the auction. My name is MARKand my direct number is 206/914-1173. You’re also welcome and encouraged to come by my Auburn, WA warehouse to inspect & test drive the truck. You might also make an offer before the end of the auction, as many of my posted vehicles sell to smart “early birds” that call and work out a deal prior to the auction’s end. I always reserve the right to sell during this period.

A Few Additional Terms and Conditions:

Full payment is due by cash (in person only) or certified funds within seven business days unless prior arrangements have been made with me. I can accept credit or debit cards, but I’ll first need to invoice you and ask that you cover the 3.5% fee our processor charges us. Please remember you’re bidding to buy and I fully expect the winner to fulfill their Ebay contract! You’re not bidding to hold or then come check-over and test-drive the vehicle later -- You’re more than welcome to do this before the auction ends. I'm happy to make time to meet at my facility with a vehicle inspector during the auction.